San Bernardino Police Brutality Survival Guide (2025)

Law enforcement officers are supposed to protect you, but the sad reality is that some abuse their power and authority to take advantage of civilians. In this San Bernardino police brutality survival guide, you can learn more about the state of police brutality in California, why it exists, and how to file a complaint so you can recover the damages you’re owed.

Causes of Police Brutality in San Bernardino

Identifying police misconduct can sometimes be challenging. The use of excessive or deadly force or some sort of physical assault can be straightforward, but other forms can be more subtle. These include things like malicious prosecutions, unlawful arrests, verbal abuse, and more. There are many causes of police brutality, including:

• Lack of accountability. One form of police misconduct is a failure to intervene, which occurs when an officer fails to stop another officer from violating the victim’s rights. Whether it’s out of a sense of camaraderie, fear, or something else, many law enforcement members are unwilling to hold their peers accountable for their actions. Moreover, many departments don’t conduct adequate internal investigations.
• Police militarization. In recent years, police departments have continued to become more militarized. This means that they are using stronger equipment and adopting more lethal tactics that were created for combating terrorism and other serious crimes to handle civilian issues.
• Systemic racism. Racism exists at every level of the criminal justice system, including police officers, judges, parole boards, and more. Across the country, minority communities are targeted more often and tend to receive harsher penalties, too. This unsafe way of thinking breeds fear and can lead to more violence from law enforcement.
• Training and education issues. Without the proper training and education, police officers are left to act on their instincts, which are heavily influenced by implicit biases.

What to Do if You Are a Victim of Police Brutality in San Bernardino

If you experience police brutality in San Bernardino, it’s important to understand what steps to take to give yourself a better shot at a positive case outcome. First, be sure to get yourself out of immediate danger and seek medical attention if necessary.

Be sure to record as much of the incident as possible. Take photos and videos, get the name and badge number of the officer involved, seek out witnesses, and note the time and location of the incident. It’s also wise to get in touch with a San Bernardino police brutality lawyer to discuss your situation. They can help you build a solid case and navigate the process so you don’t have to worry about doing things incorrectly.

After a police brutality incident, you can file a complaint with the Internal Affairs Division of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, located on East Third St., or at a local Sheriff’s station for further investigation. You can also submit your complaint by phone or mail. No matter how you file, it’s pertinent to give as many details as possible.

After the Internal Affairs Division reviews the complaint, they send it to a Bureau Deputy Chief to make a final decision on how to handle the situation. After they fully investigate your claim, you can expect to receive one of the following statements regarding the final decision:

• Sustained
• Not sustained
• Exonerated
• Unfounded
• Frivolous

Benefits of Working With a San Bernardino Police Brutality Lawyer

Between 2016 and 2021, there were 60,719 civilian complaints of police misconduct in California. Moreover, San Bernardino was listed as the deadliest police department in the United States, with a population-adjusted rate of police killings of 2.8 per 100,000. This was almost two times the rate of the department with the next highest rate.

Since then, incidents of misconduct, including police brutality, have continued to be a prevalent problem despite the efforts of the SBPD as a whole to adhere to policy and procedure. By working with a local San Bernardino police brutality lawyer, you can rest assured you’re covered when the system fails you. A skilled professional can help you gather key evidence, build a strong case, and secure the compensation you deserve.

FAQs

Who Can File a Police Brutality Claim Against the San Bernardino Police?

Any person who believes that a member of the San Bernardino Police Department (SBPD) has engaged in any form of misconduct can file a complaint against them. This includes instances of police brutality. You can file a complaint in person, by telephone, or by mail, and the department can even mail you a Citizen Complaint form if you request it.

What Are the Core Values of the San Bernardino Police Department?

The San Bernardino Police Department is committed to preventing crime, identifying and apprehending offenders who violate others’ rights, and preserving the peace to provide a safe environment for all citizens. They list five main goals for the department, which are to improve employee development, organizational effectiveness, public engagement, quality of life, and recruitment and retention.

How Big Is the San Bernardino Police Department?

As of 2025, the San Bernardino Police Department (SBPD) consists of 304 sworn officers and 162 civilian support staff members. Their executive staff is composed of dedicated law enforcement managers who operate under a Community-Oriented Policing Philosophy to serve their community. The City of San Bernardino comprises four districts, so having a unified front is important.

Is Excessive Force a Form of Police Brutality in San Bernardino?

Yes, the use of excessive force can be considered police brutality in San Bernardino. Excessive force refers to the application of force beyond what is reasonably necessary to get a citizen to comply. The exact level of force depends on the situation. In some cases, it may be considered necessary to detain a subject.

Get in Touch With a San Bernardino Police Brutality Lawyer to Discuss Your Case Today

At Greg Peacock Law, we have experience handling police brutality complaints involving law enforcement at every level—from local state police to federal agents. That said, we understand how to navigate these types of cases and secure a positive outcome for our clients. Contact our office to set up a consultation with our team of skilled police brutality lawyers today.